Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones (2nd Gen) vs Sony WH-1000XM5
The Verdict
The Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones (2nd Gen) and Sony WH-1000XM5 sit in the same category and end up appealing to slightly different buyers. Both launched at roughly the same price ($449 vs $400), so cost is unlikely to be the deciding factor. The Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones (2nd Gen) is the newer release, which usually means a faster chipset and longer software support. Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones (2nd Gen) stands out for 30 hours battery with anc, 45 hours without, while Sony WH-1000XM5 is praised for class-leading active noise cancellation. Use the side-by-side spec table below to compare cameras, displays, battery life and connectivity in detail and decide which one fits your priorities.
Who Should Buy
Buy the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones (2nd Gen) if…
- →30 hours battery with ANC, 45 hours without
- →USB-C lossless digital audio support
- →Improved adaptive ANC algorithm
Buy the Sony WH-1000XM5 if…
- →Class-leading active noise cancellation
- →Excellent call quality with beamforming mics
- →Lightweight, comfortable for long sessions
Pros & Cons
Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones (2nd Gen)
Pros
- 30 hours battery with ANC, 45 hours without
- USB-C lossless digital audio support
- Improved adaptive ANC algorithm
- Multipoint Bluetooth 5.4 connectivity
- New Cinema Mode for spatial video audio
Cons
- Price increased to $449
- 250g is heavier than some competitors
- No aptX Lossless codec support
Sony WH-1000XM5
Pros
- Class-leading active noise cancellation
- Excellent call quality with beamforming mics
- Lightweight, comfortable for long sessions
- LDAC hi-res Bluetooth support
Cons
- No longer folds flat for travel
- No IP rating against sweat or rain
- Expensive at launch
- Mediocre wired/USB audio quality
Full Specifications
| Spec | Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones (2nd Gen) | Sony WH-1000XM5 |
|---|---|---|
| Active Noise Cancelling | ||
| Type | over-ear | over-ear |
| Weight | 250 g | 250 g |
| Battery | ||
| Battery life | 30 hours (ANC on), 45 hours (ANC off) | 30 hours ANC on |
| Charging | USB-C | USB-C, 3 min = 3 hours quick charge |
| Features | Immersive Audio (spatial audio), Cinema Mode for video, USB-C lossless digital audio, Adaptive ANC algorithm, Google Fast Pair, Spotify Tap | Industry-leading ANC, Speak-to-Chat, Adaptive Sound Control, Multipoint pairing, DSEE Extreme upscaling |
| Connectivity | ||
| Wired option | ||
| Codecs | SBC, AAC, aptX Adaptive | SBC, AAC, LDAC |
| Bluetooth | 5.4 | 5.2 |
| Multipoint | ||
| Drivers | — | 30mm dynamic carbon fiber composite |
| Water Resistance | — | None |
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This comparison is based on verified manufacturer specifications covering display, performance, camera, battery, and build quality. Scores are generated by analyzing specs across weighted categories on a 10-point scale. Learn more about our methodology.
Explore more in headphones, see all Bose products or all Sony products. View full details for the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones (2nd Gen) or the Sony WH-1000XM5.